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No one does Christmas markets like Europe, and this European Christmas market itinerary by train proves it!
Winter turns the continent into a festive fairytale. Twinkling lights drape across historic streets, wooden stalls overflow with intricate crafts and delicious seasonal treats, and every city calendar bursts with heart-warming Christmas events. Visiting Europe at Christmas is a must!
This 14-day itinerary adventure takes you through five unforgettable cities: Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. These destinations are renowned for hosting the best Christmas markets in Europe, with Dresden proudly home to one of the oldest markets in the world. It truly is the most EPIC European Christmas market itinerary you will ever read.
If you are short on time and can’t commit to the full two weeks, check out my 7-Day European Christmas Market by Train adventure for a shorter, equally magical escape.
Why Choose a European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Travelling Europe by train is by far one of the best ways to explore several countries in a single trip. A few years ago, I went interrailing across Europe, and I absolutely loved it. There’s something so relaxing about sitting back on a train, watching the scenic landscapes roll by, and simply slowing down.
No long waits at airports, no holiday traffic jams: just grab a few snacks, hop on a train, and within a couple of hours, you’ll be right in the heart of a completely different city, moments away from visiting its wonderful Christmas markets.
While I’d recommend travelling through Europe by train any time of year, December is truly magical. Europe’s most festive destinations sit so close together that you can enjoy breakfast beside Berlin’s twinkling stalls and, by lunchtime, be wandering through the fairytale squares of Dresden.
At this time of year, you can still sightsee during the day, then unwind by a crackling wood burner with a mug of mulled wine in hand – fully embracing the definition of slow travel.
Where to Start Your European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Berlin is the starting point for this European Christmas market itinerary by train, thanks to its well-connected rail network and legendary Christmas markets.
This epic 14-day itinerary then takes you from Berlin to Dresden, Prague to Vienna, before concluding your journey in Budapest. You’ll spend three festive days in each city, except Budapest, where you’ll enjoy two days.
Every destination on this route showcases some of the very best Christmas markets in Europe, making this the ultimate way to experience the continent’s festivities by train. The pace is relaxed too, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each city and do some sightseeing along the way.
✈️ If you’re planning a winter city break or a sunny beach holiday, check out the best European Christmas destinations.
An Epic 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
How to Travel Between Cities on This European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Here’s your guide to getting between Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest on this 14-Day European Christmas Market Train Adventure:
- Berlin Hbf → Dresden Hbf: Approximately 2 hours on a direct train.
- Dresden Hbf → Prague Main Station: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes direct.
- Prague Main Station → Vienna Hbf: About 4 hours direct. You could also break up this journey with a stop in Brno, Czechia’s second-largest city. You can easily see most of Brno’s main attractions in one day, including Špilberk Castle, Old Town Hall, and more. Or you could join a free walking tour. Brno also has its own Christmas markets in Freedom Square and Dominican Square.
- Vienna Hbf → Budapest-Keleti Station: Roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes on a direct train. You could also visit Bratislava on your way to Budapest. Bratislava is a small city, meaning it is relatively easy to see all the main attractions in one day. From Bratislava Castle, the Blue Church, Michael’s Gate, Čumil, to the presidential palace. Bratislava also has two Christmas markets in the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square.
✨ Tip: Book your train tickets through RailEurope well in advance. Prices rise quickly as the travel date approaches, and popular routes can sell out entirely.
Things to Do in Each City on this European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Top Things To Do In Berlin At Christmas
- Visit some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. Berlin is home to more than 100 Christmas markets each year, making it one of the best places in Europe to get into the festive spirit. These markets are sprinkled all across the city, though some of the most popular and atmospheric ones can be found at Bebelplatz, Charlottenburg Palace, Gendarmenmarkt, Spandau, Berlin City Hall, Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz, where you can even go tobogganing. If you want expert insight on which markets to prioritise, along with stories about German Christmas traditions, consider booking this Berlin Christmas Market tour.
- Get your skates on for some ice-skating. During the Christmas season, a huge circular ice rink surrounds the Neptune Fountain, right in front of Berlin’s Red City Hall on the western side of Alexanderplatz. It’s the perfect spot to go for some festive ice-skating. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of mulled wine from the surrounding stalls.
- See the Christmas Lights. Step into Weihnachten im Tierpark at Tierpark Berlin, a winter wonderland aglow with millions of sparkling lights, festive projections, and the enchanting backdrop of Friedrichsfelde Palace. Stroll along the illuminated trails, capture magical holiday photos, and warm up by a crackling fire while savouring seasonal treats amid the beautifully lit grounds.
- Take an Enchanting Stroll Through Berlin’s Botanical Gardens. Just 30 minutes from the city centre by public transport, Berlin’s Botanical Gardens are a must-visit in winter. Wander the 1.5 km circular trail and be enchanted by a magical forest, dazzling light sculptures, and thousands of twinkling festive lights. It’s a peaceful Christmas activity, offering a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
- Go on a Berlin Christmas Sightseeing Cruise. Enjoy a winter cruise along the River Spree in Berlin. You’ll pass some of Berlin’s most important sites, including the world-famous Eastside Gallery, Museum Island and the government quarter of Berlin with the Reichstag and the Federal Chancellery.
Top Things To Do In Dresden At Christmas
- Visit Germany’s Oldest Christmas Markets. Dresden is home to the oldest and most traditional Christmas market in the country, dating back to 1434. The Striezelmarkt, located in Altmarkt, is Dresden’s most popular market. Beyond Striezelmarkt, you’ll also find charming festive markets at Frauenkirche, Neumarkt, Hauptstrasse, Prager Straße, and Schlossstraße. Want to get the most out of your Christmas visit to Dresden? You could go on this Christmas market walking tour.
- Taste the Original Dresden Christmas Stollen. Stollen, a type of fruitcake, has long been a beloved festive treat. On your trip to this German city, you can go on a guided tour of a traditional Dresden bakery, where you’ll uncover the secrets behind the original Dresden Christmas Stollen and enjoy tastings of a variety of stollen breads.
- Marvel at the Beautiful Decorations in Dresden’s Christmas Garden. The Pillnitz Palace and Park, once the summer residence of the Saxon royal dynasty, is just 50 minutes from Dresden’s historic centre by public transport. During Christmas, the palace opens its gates for a stroll through the illuminated Christmas gardens.
- Attend a Festive Christmas Concert. The Zwinger, one of Germany’s most stunning Baroque palaces, is just a few minutes’ walk from Altmarkt. During the Christmas season, you can attend a festive concert in the Wallpavillon, where the Dresden Residenz Orchestra performs beloved works by composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart.
- Sit Back and Relax on a River Cruise. One of the best ways to experience the city’s scenery and Christmas lights is on a heated Dresden river cruise. Embark on a 3-hour journey on the Elbe River through the Elbe Valley to Pillnitz Palace, passing the three Elbe castles and the Blue Wonder bridge along the way.
Top Things To Do In Prague At Christmas
- Visit Prague’s World-Famous Christmas Markets. The biggest and longest-running Christmas market in Prague takes place in Old Town Square, renowned worldwide for its picture-perfect festive atmosphere. Other notable markets include Wenceslas Square, Prague Castle, Namesti Miru, and Namesti Republiky. For an insider experience, you can join a guided tour of Prague’s Christmas markets. Along the way, you’ll sample local delicacies and learn about Czech Christmas traditions.
- Attend a Christmas Concert. The Church of St Martin in the Wall, a centuries-old Gothic church, is just a 10-minute walk from Prague’s Old Town Square. During the festive season, you can enjoy a Christmas concert in this intimate setting, renowned for its brilliant acoustics. The 70-minute performance features the Old Prague Music Ensemble, playing beloved classical works by composers such as Bach and Vivaldi.
- Meander Down the Vltava River on a Cruise. Step aboard a festively decorated boat, aglow with Christmas lights, for a one-hour cruise along the Vltava River. With a cup of mulled wine in hand, you’ll drift past Prague’s iconic sights, including Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town, all beautifully covered in Christmas lights.
- Be Mesmerised by the Nutcracker Ballet. Right in the heart of Old Town Prague, the Broadway Theatre hosts a performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a fairytale production brimming with Christmas magic. The ballet performance features top dancers and soloists from the Prague National Theatre.
- Bake Traditional Cookies. Learn to Bake Traditional Czech Christmas Cookies, just a short walk from Prague’s historic centre. Under the guidance of a local instructor, you’ll prepare four classic festive treats from scratch. The class begins with a brief introduction to Czech holiday baking traditions, and all ingredients and equipment are provided – all you need to bring is yourself.
Top Things To Do In Vienna At Christmas
- Explore Vienna’s Magical Christmas Markets. Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s most famous, with over 100 stalls and a giant tree. The city boasts 12 Christmas markets, including those at Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, and Maria-Theresien Platz. For an unforgettable experience, join a guided tour of Vienna’s Christmas markets, where you’ll uncover fascinating stories about Austria’s Christmas traditions, indulge in sweet treats, and sip on festive drinks.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace at Christmas. Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, hosts a charming Christmas market with arts, crafts, and seasonal treats, alongside open-air concerts.
- Discover Belvedere’s Quiet Christmas Markets. The Belvedere Palace offers a more peaceful market with beautiful handcrafted gifts, food, and a festive atmosphere, open from mid-November to December.
- Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride. Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna’s Old Town, passing landmarks like the Hofburg, Parliament, and Town Hall, with stunning views of the Christmas markets.
- Attend an Advent Concert. Vienna, with its rich musical heritage, offers incredible Christmas concerts, including a Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert in Kursalon and a Christmas and New Year’s Concert in St. Peter’s Church.
Top Things To Do In Budapest At Christmas
- Visit Some of Europe’s Most Budget-Friendly Christmas Markets. Budapest’s two main Christmas markets, Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, are just a 10-minute walk apart. Other festive spots in the city include Erszébet Square and Városháza Park. For an insider experience, join a Christmas market walking tour, which will take you to three markets, sample traditional Hungarian treats, and learn about local holiday traditions.
- Board Budapest’s Festive Tram. Keep an eye out for the Fényvillamos, Budapest’s Christmas tram, adorned with 39,000 sparkling lights. While several routes feature illuminated trams, the best views are on tram line 2. It’s a cosy way to escape the cold temperatures while taking in the city’s festive sights – a standard tram ticket is all you need to hop on.
- Go Ice-Skating in Budapest. The City Park Ice Rink, one of Europe’s largest and oldest, sits beautifully between Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. Open from late November, it’s the perfect spot to lace up your skates – or rent a pair on site – and enjoy festive ice-skating in Budapest.
- Escape the Cold by Visiting the Thermal Spa. Winter in Budapest can be chilly, with December highs around 4°C, making a visit to the Széchenyi Spa an absolute must. As the city’s largest public bath, it boasts 18 heated indoor and outdoor pools set within a stunning neo-baroque building.
- Admire the Christmas Lights from a Cruise Down the Danube. As the sun sets, step aboard a scenic evening cruise along the Danube, which divides Budapest into Buda and Pest. From the comfort of the boat, admire the city’s landmarks illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights. The cruise includes English commentary and unlimited refills of champagne, spritzer, or lemonade, making for a truly magical festive experience.
Food to Try on this European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
A European Christmas Market itinerary by train isn’t just a feast for the eyes – it’s a feast for your taste buds too. Each city on this route has its own festive culinary highlights that you simply can’t miss:
- Berlin: Start with a classic Bratwurst from a market stall, paired with a warm, spiced Glühwein. Don’t miss Berliner Pfannkuchen, the German take on doughnuts, perfect for a sweet treat while wandering the Christmas lights.
- Dresden: Indulge in the city’s famous Stollen, a rich fruit bread dusted with powdered sugar. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or Feuerzangenbowle, a traditional mulled wine punch with rum-soaked sugarloaf.
- Prague: Treat yourself to Trdelník, a sweet, cinnamon-sugar pastry cooked over an open flame, and sip on Svařák, the Czech version of mulled wine. Don’t forget hearty market snacks like klobása, a local sausage grilled to perfection.
- Vienna: Vienna’s markets are a paradise for sweet lovers. Try Maroni (roasted chestnuts) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake with powdered sugar).
- Budapest: Finish your journey with Hungarian delights like Lángos, deep-fried flatbread topped with garlic, cheese, or sour cream, and sweet treats like chimney cake (Kürtőskalács).
Where to Stay on this European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Choosing the right place to stay can really make or break a trip. Ideally, you want accommodation that’s central, convenient for train stations, and within walking distance of the festive markets.
Where to Stay in Berlin at Christmas
For a luxury option near the iconic Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, consider Hotel Luc, a beautiful five-star hotel in the heart of the city, complete with a sauna to warm up after a chilly day. To keep costs down, try Wilde Aparthotels, which would let you cook your own meals. And for an even more budget-friendly stay near Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main train station), Urban Loft is a great choice.
Where to Stay in Dresden at Christmas
For Dresden, the following accommodation options are conveniently located near the Altstadt (Old Town), home to Dresden’s oldest and most popular Christmas market. For a luxury option, consider Hotel Suitess, featuring spa facilities, a sun terrace, and comfortable beds. A more budget-friendly option is the charming Zentrale Wohlfühloase, a cosy one-bedroom apartment close to the city centre.
Where to Stay in Prague at Christmas
The Art Deco Imperial Hotel in Prague exudes opulence, with its lavish interiors, spa facilities, and proximity to Old Town Square. It makes for a perfect addition to your Christmas in Europe adventure. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the studio flat at the Botanist by Adrez offers style and comfort at a more affordable price.
Where to Stay in Vienna at Christmas
For a truly unforgettable stay in Vienna, Park Hyatt is one of the city’s most exquisite five-star hotels, just steps from the Christmas markets and featuring a swimming pool and spa – perfect for warming up after a day of sightseeing. A more affordable option with similar amenities is Hotel Sans Souci Wien. For budget-conscious travellers, Hotel Indigo Vienna offers comfort and charm at a lower price.
Where to Stay in Budapest at Christmas
Lastly, Budapest. Round off your festive adventure in style at the Párisi Udvar Hotel, where the breathtaking interior design feels truly magical. For more low-cost options, Barceló Budapest offers comfort in a great location. While Szekely at Andrassy Suite is ideal if you prefer self-catering.
🛏️ Tip: For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in smaller boutique hotels, guesthouses, or even historic inns that have a lot of local character, rather than big chain hotels. Booking early is key during the Christmas season, as places can fill up quickly.
Tips for this European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
Make the most of your festive European adventure with these tips to save money and enjoy the season to the fullest:
- Wrap Up Warm: Winters in Europe can be chilly, so bring layers, scarves, gloves, and a cosy coat.
- Book Train Tickets Early: Reserve tickets in advance to secure the best prices.
- Budget-Friendly Accommodation: The lead-up to Christmas is a busy season, so prices can be high. To keep costs down, consider hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels.
- Eat Like a Local: Enjoy street food and market treats rather than pricey tourist restaurants.
- Travel Timing: Avoid peak weekends or very late December to save on both trains and accommodation.
- Pack Smart: Leave room in your luggage for festive goodies like mulled wine mugs, chocolates, ornaments, and local crafts.
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Kirsty
